Army begins de-mining in J&K

5 July 2002The Times of IndiaTIMES NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI: The Army is carrying out ‘‘selective’’ de-mining of certain low- lying areas along the Indo-Pak border, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure landmines do not drift to adjoining civilian areas during the monsoons. Army officials on Thursday said the de-mining work was in full swing in some of the low-lying areas along rivers and ravines in areas like Ramgarh and Ranbir Singh Pura which are prone to flooding during the rains. ‘‘While this step is being taken to ensure the safety of the local populace, it is being ensured that such de-mining does not, in any way, compromise on the overall defence preparedness,’’ said an officer.